EDMONTON — Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says those who question her rationale for the government’s law restricting health care for transgender youth need to read up on puberty.

Smith has defended the law that prohibits doctors from prescribing puberty blockers for those under 16, saying the drugs permanently sterilize children.

Doctors and medical associations say puberty blockers temporarily pause biological changes, which can be restarted once their use is discontinued.

Smith is doubling down, telling reporters to “look up what puberty is.”

She says someone can’t have children if they don’t become sexually mature, and she wants to preserve that choice for children until they are older.

The premier says her government is prepared to defend its position in court and she’s willing to use the notwithstanding clause to override Charter rights.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 24, 2025.

Lisa Johnson, The Canadian Press